WHA Awards
Advocacy All-Star Award
Advocacy All-Star Award recognizes one hospital or health care system each year that exemplifies dedication to grassroots advocacy.
Bellin Health System
2024 Advocacy All-Star Award
Bellin and Gundersen Health System received the 2024 Advocacy All-Star Award at WHA’s Advocacy Day on March 20, attended by over 700 hospital advocates. WHA Vice President of External Affairs Kari Hofer praised the organization for its year-round dedication to grassroots advocacy and strong participation in Advocacy Day. CEO Dr. Scott Rathgaber accepted the award, highlighting the system’s commitment to amplifying patient and community voices to improve health, reduce care costs, and promote well-being.
AHA Grassroots Champion Award
The AHA Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital and who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients.
Michael Schafer, Spooner Health
2024 AHA Grassroots Champion Award
Mike Schafer, CEO of Spooner Health, was honored with the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award for his advocacy efforts. Nominated by WHA, Schafer has been actively involved in key advocacy activities, including Capitol Hill visits, WHA's Advocacy Day, and discussions on issues such as Medicare reimbursement and the 340B program. He has been a strong advocate for Wisconsin's public policy and serves on the WHA Board, setting an example for other hospital leaders. WHA President Eric Borgerding praised Schafer for his exemplary work in educating officials on healthcare issues.
Health Care Advocate Award
Health Care Advocate Award: presented in recognition of partnership with WHA in supporting issues that enable the delivery of high-quality, high-value health care in Wisconsin.
Tim Carpenter
2024 Health Care Advocate Award
The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) honored Sen. Tim Carpenter with its 2024 Health Care Advocate of the Year Award at Advocacy Day on March 20. WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding recognized Carpenter for his efforts in modernizing mental health records, reforming hospital regulations, advancing the Health Care Data Modernization Act, and supporting legislation for improved post-acute patient care. Borgerding praised Carpenter’s 40-year commitment to Wisconsin’s health care system, while Carpenter emphasized the vital role of hospitals and his continued dedication to health policy in the next legislative session.
WHA Distinguished Service Award
WHA Distinguished Service Award honors senior health care executives who have made an exemplary commitment to WHA and the communities they serve.
Daniel DeGroot, Stoughton Health
2024 WHA Distinguished Service Award
Dan DeGroot, President and CEO of Stoughton Health, received WHA’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award for his impactful leadership and commitment to advancing health care in Wisconsin. Presented by WHA General Counsel Matthew Stanford on November 25, the award recognizes DeGroot’s achievements, including expanding access to healthcare services with projects like the McFarland Urgent Care Clinic, a new cardiology clinic, and a 56,000-square-foot Medical Outpatient Center set to open in 2025. DeGroot has also played a vital role in fostering collaboration through initiatives like community touch-base meetings started during the COVID-19 pandemic. An active WHA member since 2020, DeGroot has contributed to multiple WHA councils and committees, offering valuable leadership and insights.
Michael Schafer, Spooner Health
2024 WHA Distinguished Service Award
Mike Schafer, CEO of Spooner Health, has received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA). The award, presented by WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding, recognizes Schafer’s long-standing dedication to advancing health care both statewide and in his community. Borgerding praised Schafer’s impactful leadership, noting his 34 years at Spooner Health, 20 years of service on the WHA board, and his role as board chair in 2009. Schafer expressed gratitude to his team and WHA for their support in advocating for rural health care.
WHA Trustee Award
WHA Trustee Award: honors trustees of WHA member organizations who have made an exemplary commitment to their hospital and to the community they serve.
Jim Mlsna, Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics
2024 WHA Trustee Award
Jim Mlsna, Board Chair of Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics, received the 2024 Trustee Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) on November 21. The award, presented by WHA General Counsel Matthew Stanford, recognizes Mlsna’s 25 years of exemplary leadership and commitment to sustaining health care in his community through both celebratory and challenging times. Mlsna was praised for his critical decision-making and dedication to the hospital, its staff, and the Hillsboro community, including his role in the construction of a new facility. Gundersen St. Joseph’s VP Kristie McCoic nominated Mlsna for his impactful contributions as a board leader.
